Land Rover Defender 2007 pictures

*UPDATE: FOR OFFICIAL PICTURES AND INFO, CKICKE HERE: 2007 LAND ROVER DEFENDER

As reported earlier this year (click here: 2007 Defender), Land Rover is planning to update its nearly immortal Defender which has been in production with various upgrades since 1948 -talk about British infatuation with the past… These phone cell pictures taken from Land Rover's Solihull factory in Birmingham give a first glimpse of the 2007 Defender which according to Land Rover, is going to on sale next spring. While its seems that the exterior remains practically the same as there are only minor changes -check out the side gills, the interior gets a more serious upgrade with Discovery (LR2 & LR3) style gauges, air vents etc.

Press Release: "Customer demand for the Defender will see Land Rover release details of a new model for 2007 later this year, including a series of significant upgrades to enhance the ownership experience and meet forthcoming legislation. It starts going on sale next spring and will help ensure that the Defender remains in production until at least 2010."

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2007 Audi S3 quattro Unveiled

UPDATE - September 4th: 2007 Audi S3 Video

Well, it seems that we don’t have to wait till the middle of the week as i said yesterday (click here: Carscoop) to see the 2007 Audi S3 quattro . Thanks to my friends over at Autoblog.it, we’ve got the first official picture of the 260 Hp S3, as they managed to find the front page of a Spanish magazine with the car upfront. Apart from the 260 Hp 2.0 TFSI engine, the S3s exterior looks seem a bit subtle as designers avoided to give it a more mucho look.

The main differences between the S3 and the A3 S Line versions concern the mask and the slightly changed air vents in the bumper. Maybe that was intentional as it is rumored that Audi will produce in the near future a more powerful version of the A3, the RS3 with a turbocharged 3.2 V6 FSI engine producing about 350 Hp. As with the A4 range (RS4 vs S4), the RS3 will get a much more dynamic and mucho bodykit than the subtle S3. Stay tuned as according to my information, the 2007 Audi S3 quattro will make its official debute on Wednesday.

via: Autoblog.it

Technorati Tags: Audi+S3+quattro, pictures, images, official, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

BMW opens mobile-phone portal

Beginning today, Bimmer fans will have their own BMW mobile site located at the address: www.bmw.mobi. This mobile portal offers product information on all BMW models. Additionally, users can download for free a large selection of background pictures, ring tones and videos. Further services which will include a technique encyclopedia or a mobile dealer search are to be included in the near future according to BMW.

Although www.bmw.mobi is currently available only in two languages (German and English), gradually, locally adapted language versions in the international BMW markets will follow.

Technorati Tags: BMW, mobile+phones, sites, press+release, downloads, wallpapers, ring+tones, autos, auto+news, automobile, automotive, cars

Top Gear test 3 of the fastest Euro MPV's

Ford S-MAX 2.5 Turbo 220 Hp vs Mercedes-Benz B200 Turbo 193 Hp vs Opel Zafira OPC 2.0 Turbo 240 Hp

Your in the mid 30s or 40s, and your family needs dictate that you should find a car with space and versatility but you still can't get over that beloved GTi you drove a few years ago ? Well in Europe, car manufactures seem to have found the perfect solution for thiose special needs: Boxy an spacious MPV's that promise to satisfy not only all your family needs but also your personal ones. Top Gear gets together three MPVs that hide under their hood high-output Turbocharged engines and tries to find out if they truly fulfill their dual characteristics.

Technorati Tags: Top+Gear, Ford+S-MAX, Mercedes-Benz+B200T, Opel+Zafira+OPC, Vauxhall+Zafira+VXR, video, clip, autos, auto+news, automobile, automotive, cars

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S Vroom-Vroom Commercial

I leave this commercial uncommented. Just take a look at the previous post by clicking here: Greenpeace anti SUV Add

Technorati Tags: Porsche+Cayenne+Turbo+S, commercial, TV+add, video, clip, autos, auto+news, automobile, automotive, cars

Greenpeace anti-SUV humourous Commercial

Greenpeace released this anti-SUV commercial at the British International Motor Show. Its shows how people will treat (according of course to Greenpeace) a coworker who lives in a city and owns an SUV (in the video, the guy has a Toyota Land Cruiser). Kind off far fetched if you ask me. Ok, SUVs waste gas, take up space and have no place in a city, but spitting in the mans coffee ? Jeez….See the video below. After the jump, read Greenpeace's comments

What does your car say about you?

"This week while we bake in soaring temperatures, thousands will flock to the British International Motor Show to see the launch of the first right-hand drive Hummer and other gas guzzling luxuries. Based on a war fighting assault vehicle, the Hummer’s size and fuel consumption will make it a deadly addition to the fleet of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) on the roads of our cities. Our mole inside the motor show will also pontificate about the latest fuel efficient and electric cars on the lot."

Technorati Tags: Greenpeace, TV+Add, Commercial, funny, humor, SUV, Hummer, British+International+Show, autos, auto+news, automobile, automotive, cars, official,

2007 Audi S3 quattro to be unveiled this week

UPDATED: August 1st, First official pictures & specifications unveiled, to read more click here: 2007 Audi S3

UPDATE - September4th: 2007 Audi S3 Video

Inside info: Thanks to a tip I got, I learned that Audi is going to unveil its long awaited sport version of the A3 in the middle of the week. The S3 quattro will be equipped with VW Group's most powerful version of its 2.0 TFSI engine up to date, producing 260 Hp. Power will be driven to all wheels either through a 6speed manual or through VW Group's renowned 6speed double clutch semi-auto gearbox.

Technorati Tags: Audi+S3, 2007, specifications, autos, auto+news, automobile, automotive, cars, official,

Elegantlty-spooky: Binz Mercedes-Benz CLS Hearse edition

Now, however much of a fan of Mercedes-Benz you are, this is one heck of a Benz that you never-ever wish to be seen in: the Binz CLS Hearse edition. German based Binz, a well known rebuilder of Mercedes Limos seems to have married the elegant style of the CLS with a you know what… Come to think about it, this could be the ultimate vehicle for the Adams family second cousins from the far away heights of Deutschland country...

Technorati Tags: Binz, Mercedes-Benz+CLS, hearse, autos, auto+news, automobile, automotive, cars, official, pictures, images

Rinspeed amphibian vehicle sets new record on sea (VIDEO)

Big Boss of Swiss car design company Rinspeed, Frank Rinderknecht, put himself in the Guinness Book of Records as he crossed the English Channel in a selfdesigned amphibious vehicle called Splash –wonder why…. Rinderknecht set a new world record for crossing the Channel -193 minutes and 47 seconds.

"It was like a giant slalom on an alpine mogul piste. The only difference was that it was not flexible poles we had to get round but enormous tankers and container vessels," said Rinderknecht

The Rinspeed "Splash" - a concept amphibious vehicle that was unveiled in the Geneva Motor Show in 2004, skims over the water on extendable wings like a hydrofoil. Packed with a 140 Hp, 750 ccm two cylinder, 4 stroke Weber Motor engine, the Splash can go up to 80 km/h in the sea, but at that speed even small waves feel as hard as rock. Watch the videos bellow

Video 1

Video 2

Technorati Tags: Rinspeed+Splash, Guinness+Book+of+Records, videos, clips, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive,

Jeep Compass Funny "Bobbleheads" TV Adds

Jeep came out with new series of TV adds to promote their 2007 Compass, the company's first try at the compact SUV market. All four 30 second TV Spots star Thunderbird styled puppet dolls with bouncing-heads (aka bobbleheads) , that even include a dog. Nice, but I don't think much of the music background, sounds kind of creepy in my opinion.

The multimillion-dollar campaign for the Compass, targets young buyers, aged 22-30, are single, college educated, city-dwelling, and with an average income of around $40,000.

Phil

Bounce

Gear

Monday

Technorati Tags: Jeep+Compass, funny, humor, videos, clips, TV, adds, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive,

Fiat 500 or Trepiuno Concept...

A lot of sites referred that the car shown in these pictures was the production version of Fiat’s Trepiuno Concept, the 500. But a more thorough check shows that this in fact is the Trepuino and not the 500. Beside the fact that the word “Trepiuno” is written in the license plate, a closer look at the interior unveils a prototype cabin (check out the gear lever and the centre console) while the glass roof is something that doesn’t seem fit for a car that intends to be cheap.

It should be noted that the pictures were taken during a fair or show in Poland (the Panda Sport was unveiled to the public for the first time at the same place)

Technorati Tags: Fiat+500, Trepiuno, concept, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, images, pictures

Video clip of Honda's new light jet, the HondaJet

As I wrote before (click here to read more: HondaJet), Honda announced today that their going in the light jet business with the all new "Hondajet". Click on the following video to watch the flying Honda in real life action.

Technorati Tags: Honda, HondaJet, Piper, Video, clip, aircraft, airplane, light+jet, aviation, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, images, pictures, official, press+release

Honda begins sales of the "HondaJet"

Honda seems to want to put some of that high revving V-TEC magic into the skies as the Japanese announced that their innovative HondaJet will enter the growing light jet market, with the process of accepting sales orders in the U.S. in fall 2006. Toward this goal, Honda will establish a new U.S. company to hold FAA type certification and production certification. Honda’s goal is to complete type certification in about 3-4 years, followed by the start of production in the U.S.

Basic Design Specifications
Seating	2 crew + 5 pass/ers or 1 pilot + 6 pass/ers
Maximum Speed	778 km/hr (420 knots)
Engine	HF-118 Turbofan Engine – x 2
Length x Width x Height	12.67 x 12.2 x 4.1 m (41.6 x 39.9 x 13.2 ft)
Operational Ceiling	12,497 m (41,000 ft)
Range	2,037 km (1,100 nm)

"Aviation has been an important dream of Honda for more than four decades," said Satoshi Toshida, senior managing director of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. "Our goal is consistent with the philosophy of other Honda products -- to provide convenient and efficient transportation that will make people’s lives better. We are excited now to enter a new dimension of mobility."

"In Piper we believe we have a partner we can collaborate with in our effort to bring new value to customers in the very light jet market,"said Toshida.

Honda Aviation – A Brief History

1986: Honda begins research in Japan on both small aircraft and jet engines.

1993: Honda begins research on composite body aircraft with Mississippi State University (MSU), leading to development of aircraft called “MH-02” that is jointly fabricated and tested by Honda and MSU. Research continues until 1996.

1995: Honda begins high altitude testing of its first generation turbofan engine, HFX-01, conducting more than 70hours of tests through 1996.

1999: Development begins of the HF118 turbofan jet engine in the 1,000 to 3,500-pound thrust class. Compact, lightweight, low emission, fuel efficient.

2000: Honda R&D Americas establishes a research facility at Piedmont Triad International Airport in North Carolina in October 2000 for the purpose of researching, fabricating and flight testing of HondaJet.

2002: Honda conducts high altitude tests of the HF118 engine starting in June 2002.Honda publishes and reports its first technical paper in June 2002 concerning technological achievements of the new airframe. Honda continues publishing technical papers, with the most recent paper in June 2005.

2003: HondaJet takes first test flight, December 3, 2003. Honda makes first public announcement of the achievement days later.

2004: Honda and GE Aviation announce February 16, 2004, an alliance to commercialize the HF 118 engine, and establish a joint venture, GE-Honda Aero Engines, LLC, in October 2004, to pursue the development, production and sales of Honda’s HF118 turbofan engine in the light business jet market.

In July 2004, Honda establishes Honda Aero, Inc. to manage its aircraft engine business in the U.S. and the Wako Nishi R&D Center in Japan to research and develop turbofan jet and piston aviation engines.

2005: HondaJet makes its public "world debut" at the EAA AirVenture 2005 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 28, 2005.

2006: Honda announces that it will commercialize HondaJet at the EAA AirVenture 2006 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 25, 2006. HondaJet has achieved an altitude of 43,000 feet and a speed of 412 knots

Technorati Tags: Honda, HondaJet, Piper, aircraft, airplane, light+jet, aviation, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, images, pictures, official, press+release

New Porsche 911 GT3 RSR race car makes circuit debut

The Manthey Racing team from Germany will run two brand new Porsche 911 GT3 RSR race cars in the 24 hour race at Spa in Belgium on 29 July. Porsche developed the near-standard racing sportscar based on the road-going 911 GT3 RS. Over the 2006/07 winter, 35 units of the new racing sportscar (not approved for road use) will initially be built.

PRESS RELEASE: Porsche decided to build the new GT3 RSR after analysing the relevant A.C.O. and FIA regulations in a specification which allows a minimum weight of 1,225kg (predecessor: 1,125kg) and permits the tyre width to be increased by two inches to 14 inches. Thirty-five kilogrammes of the required additional weight may be placed as ballast in the vehicle, resulting in a lower centre of gravity.

ENGINE For the normally-aspirated Porsche engine this specification allows a capacity of 3.8-litres with two 30.3 millimetre air restrictors (predecessor: 3.6-litres, 29 mm diameter). The increase in displacement was achieved through the enlargement of the bore to 102.7mm with the unchanged stroke of 76.4mm. With the mandatory air restrictors, the unit delivers 359kW/485bhp at 8,500rpm. Maximum torque increased to 435Nm. Top engine speed is reached at 9,000rpm.

GEARBOX For the 24 hour race in Spa, the GT3 RSR features the proven sequential six-speed gearbox of its forerunner. The customer vehicles for 2007 will be delivered with a new sequential six-speed transmission featuring the gears of the RS Spyder which competes in the American Le Mans Series.

THE BODYSHELL of the GT3 RSR with the welded-in safety cage is ten per cent stiffer than its predecessor. Distinctive wheel arches widen the body by 50 millimetres on each side. The track is enlarged correspondingly; wheels and tyres of the maximum allowable dimension can be fitted.

THE SUSPENSION with Porsche-optimised struts at the front and the Porsche multi-link axle at the rear corresponds to the configuration of the standard GT3 RS car. The modified kinematics is set-up for the wider tyre footprint and for the lowest possible camber change in rebound and compression. The new ZF-Sachs shock absorbers feature the Through-Rod-System with considerably lower chamber pressure and hence less friction than conventional dampers. As a result they offer a significantly improved response characteristic. The position of the rear axle was optimised. The axle features a new anti-roll bar, an adjustable upper link and an optimised lower link.

THE BRAKE SYSTEM features six-piston aluminium callipers and 35 millimetre thick brake discs measuring 380 mm in diameter at the front and 30 millimetre four-piston aluminium callipers with 355 mm diameter discs at the rear.

Technorati Tags: Porsche+911, GT3+RSR, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, images, pictures, official, press+release

Dodge's European Funny TV Adds "RamRash"

Dodge has high hopes for its newly born European career which started this summer. The American company has created a series of 6 funny TV adds all of which share the theme "Recognize the Signs". See in following videos how Dodge plans to lure the Europeans in their "net".

The Field Reporter

The Waiter

The Dancing Club

The Battering

The Wedding

Bump in the Head

Technorati Tags: Dodge, RamRash, commercials, videos, clips, TV, adds, Signs, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, funny, humor

Mazda MX-5 / Miata Roadster Coupe Promotional TV add

You saw the pictures, now its time to see Mazda's 2007 MX-5 / Miata Roadster Coupe in a real life promotional video.

Technorati Tags: Mazda+MX-5, Miata, Roadster+Coupe, videos, clips, TV, adds, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive,

Could this be the 2007 Citroen C4 Picasso?

Found this one on e-bay, a 1/43 scale model that want's us to believe it's the real thing –the 2007 Citroen C4 Picasso MPV that is scheduled to be unveiled in Paris in September. Although the car seems a tad different than the various scoops have suggested it to be, I have to say that this chinese made 1/43 model doesn't look anything out of the ordinary so it may very well be giving us a glimpse of the real production model.

Technorati Tags: Citroen+C4+Picasso, MPV, 2007, model, scale, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, Paris+Motor+Show

2007 Volvo C30 Promotional Video

The Swedes didn’t let time go by as a day after the press release came out, the first promotional videos emerged on the internet. To read the official press release and see the first pictures check out this previous post: 2007 Volvo C30.

Technorati Tags: Volvo+C30, 2007, video, clip, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, Paris+Motor+Show

Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG Official Picture Leaks

The guy’s over at emercedebenz blog managed to obtain the first official picture of the almighty, 2007 CL 63 AMG which will probably wear the normally aspirated 514 Hp 6,3 litre V8 engine (from CLS 63 AMG). Check out the 6.3 Litre badge on the car’s wing -click pic to enlarge. More info and specs coming soon.
via: emercedesbenz

Technorati Tags: Mercedes-Benz+CL+63+AMG, 2007, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, images, pictures

Hyundai Unveils facelifted Coupe / Tiburon

Well what have we here ? Oh my God, the facelifted Tiburon “aka” Coupe in Europe ! Nothing much to say as the Korean coupe has only subtle changes in it’s front and rear end. By the way, leaving aside the fact that the car’s design remains awfully blunt, doesn’t the front end remind you of Ford’s “famous” Cougar Coupe…? Hey, maybe they wanted to differ the Tiburon’s “aka” Coupe design from its new English stable mate, the ….XK

Press Release: Hyundai Motor Co. today unveiled it´s updated Tiburon Coupe at the Guangzhou Motor Show. Featuring a subtle redesign of the front and rear with an emphasis on new optical elements, the new Tiburon retains all the magic of the original design which has won a growing number of admirers since its first introduction in Sept. 2001. With its contemporary styling and sporty appeal, the new Tiburon radiates pure excitement among the young and the young-at-heart.

In standard trim, the Tiburon is powered by a 2L 16-valve DOHC with Continuously Variable Valve Timing coupled to 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission with Hyundai´s Shiftronic semi-automatic gear selector. For the performance minded driver, a 2.7L V6 is available as an option along with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Technorati Tags: Hyundai+Tiburon, Hyundai+Coupe, 2007, facelift, Guangzhou+Motor+Show, 2006, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, press+release, images, pictures

"Sex In The City" star Kim Cattrall promotes Nissan's Tiida

Nissan released three new TV adds to promote their new compact hatchback, the Tiida in the Australian & New Zealand markets. All three TV adds star Kim Cattrall, best known for her role as the super-sex-driven, Samantha Jones in the television series, "Sex in the City". In the TV adds, Cattrall leaves several innuendos like "Mmmh! Oh yeah!" as she drives past a Drive carefully, hump warning sign… Don't think much about the car, but Cattrall surely gives us a few "humps"…

Technorati Tags: TV+Add, Commercial, Nissan+Tiida, Sex+In+The+City, Kim+Cattrall, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, funny, humor, Australia, New+Zealand

2007 Volvo C30 Official Press Release

Premium Hatchback, 4 Individual seats, 4.25 m Length, S40 / V50 based, 109 Hp 1.6 petrol, 180 Hp 5cylinder D5 Turbo Diesel & 220 Hp 2.5 T5 Turbo engines

A few days after the first photographs of Volvo’s 2007 C30 leaked on the internet, the Swedes came out officially presenting their all new premium hatchback which will rival cars like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, VW Golf etc. The stylish C30 will be available in Europe in December with fourengines, a basic 100 Hp 1.6 petrol & 109 Hp 1.6 diesel, a 180 Hp 5cylinder Turbo diesel and a 220 Hp 2.5 Turbo petrol (the same as the European Ford Focus ST). Officially, the Swedish premium hatchback will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September

Comments: Fredrik Arp, CEO Volvo: “The new Volvo C30 is a cool car. A car that aims for a group of young singles, or couples, with busy urban lives. These people prioritise excitement in design and driving characteristics, and this car is designed to suit their taste and lifestyle”

“The new Volvo C30 plays an important role in our push towards a volume of 600,000 cars a year. We are broadening our model programme to make it possible for new, younger customers with a busy lifestyle to choose a Volvo with the right appeal as early as possible”

Press Release Dynamic design. Individual style: The design of the production-ready model closely resembles the Volvo C30 Design Concept, which was first shown at the Detroit Motor Show in January this year.

In profile, the sloping roofline and distinct wheel arches give the new Volvo C30 a dynamic silhouette, enhanced by the extreme curve of the side windows as they taper towards the rear. The car’s distinctive Volvo shoulders are powerfully rounded and accentuated by the horseshoe-shaped lighting pattern around the rear lamps and glass tailgate.

Volvo offers high-class audio systems for the new C30 – and true audiophiles can choose the ultimate Premium Sound system, with a digital 5x130W ICE Power amplifier from Alpine®, Dolby® Pro Logic II Surround Sound, and 10 Dynaudio® speakers.

Room for four adults: The new Volvo C30 has room for four adults thanks to the two separate folding rear seats with generous head and leg room. The rear seats are slightly centred to provide a feeling of space and a good forward view. The space between the seats also makes Volvo’s unique, ultra-thin centre stack clearly visible through the glass tailgate.

Performance: engines from 1.6 (100PS) to T5 (220PS): The new Volvo C30 has a wide selection of engines, ranging from a 100PS, four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol engine and a clean, efficient four-cylinder, 1.6-litre diesel with 109PS, to the five-cylinder D5 diesel and T5 petrol turbo engines, providing 180PS and 220PS respectively.

At 4.25 metres long the C30 is the smallest member of Volvo’s model range – 22cm shorter than the current smallest Volvo model, the Volvo S40 saloon.

First class safety: When it comes to safety, the C30 is a true Volvo. Combined with airbags and safety belt tensioners, the Volvo C30 offers first class safety. The standard safety equipment naturally includes the Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with side airbags and the Inflatable Curtain (IC).

The Volvo C30 will also be available with BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), which helps the driver to identify another vehicle in the blind spot at the rear sides of the car. The front has the same patented structure as the Volvo S40 saloon or V50 Sportswagon.

Production and volumes:The global volume target for the new Volvo C30 is 65,000 cars per year. Volvo expects that 75 per cent of the buyers will be in Europe and the largest markets will be Italy, Germany, Spain and United Kingdom. The car will be built at Volvo’s Ghent factory in Belgium and is expected in UK showrooms at the turn of the year.

The Volvo C30 SportsCoupe is a welcome addition to the Volvo C-range, complementing the recently launched Volvo C70 coupe/convertible. The stylish Volvo C30 will appeal to a wide range of customers and competes with other compact premium models typified by the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.

Technorati Tags: Volvo+C30, 2007, official+press+release, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, images, pictures, Paris+Motor+Show

Fiat 500 to enter Guinness Book of Records

Fiat's classic mini, the 500, a direct descendant of which is set to be unveiled in mid 2007, has just qualified for The Guinness Book of Records, as, earlier this month, more than 750 “Cinquecentisti” (Cinquecento means 500 in Italian) created the world’s longest one model traffic ‘jam’ at over three kilometres in length!

More than 5000 enthusiasts gathered at Garlenda in Italy for the 23rd International Fiat 500 Owners Meeting, to watch 500 Fiat 500 cars create the largest 500 insignia in the world on the Dei Fiori racecourse at Villanova d’Albenga. Then, as the ‘convoy’ headed off towards Casanova Lerrone, it exceeded the two miles in length required to beat the record.

But, the “Cinquecentisti” plan to take this further as next year is the 50th anniversary of the Fiat 500, and it will also be the eve of the new Fiat 500 launch, so the Fiat 500 Club Italia, organisers of the event, are calling on Fiat 500 owners and fans from around the world to start making preparations to travel to Italy for the biggest Fiat 500 event in history.

Technorati Tags: Fiat+500, Cinquecento, Guiness+Book+of+Records, Italy, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, images, pictures, press+release

Electric powered MINI QED Concept with 640 Hp!

309,9 Kgm of tourque, 0-100 km/h (62mph) in just 4,5 seconds, 240 Km/h top speed and 1.500 Km autonomy

Sounds perfect don’t you agree? PML’s Mini concept was unveiled at the British Motor Show this week and it features 4 electric powered motors (one for each wheel) that generate a stunning 640 Hp (160 Hp each). More astonishing is the torque that sums up to a total of…3.000 NM or 308,9 Kgm !!!

According to PML, the all wheel drive electric powered mini needs a mere 4,5 sec (!) to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h (62mp/h) while it’s top speed reaches 240 km/h (149 mph). PML say’s that athough a production model would be a bit slower (0-100 km/h in 6 seconds) the impressive 1.500 km (932 miles) autonomy will be retained.

Another real cool thing is the fact that the car wears a 250 cc 2 stroke petrol engine attached with a generator that supplies power to the batteries. As the battery level reduces, the rear mounted engine/generator starts to automatically top up the battery. So when you arrive at your destination you simply park the vehicle knowing that when you return the battery will be replenished!

Although the project wasn’t supported by BMW (BMW UK Ltd requested that PML mention that they have no involvement with the project and that such conversions invalidate warranty) PLM hope that a car maker will be interested in the technology.

I on the other hand hope PML can keep it’s promise concerning their systems hugely impressive specifications.

Item	Original target specification
Emissions Autonomy Top speed Acceleration Braking Fuel BHP	Zero 1500 km 200 kph minimum 0-100 kph in 6 secs No mechanical brakes Zero carbon 250 bhp minimum
	Current specification
Emissions Autonomy Top speed Acceleration Braking Fuel BHP	Zero for 4 hours 1500 km 240 kph 0-100 kph in 4.5 secs No mechanical brakes Carbon neutral option > 640 bhp

Specifications

Motors: 4 x 750Nm 1800rpm high efficiency Brushless permanent magnet sine wave Hi-Pa drive™ 24 phase water-cooled

Drive electronics: 4 x 480Amp 450V Hi-Pa drive™ 24 phase sine wave inverter IGBT water cooled CAN bus communications

Battery: 300V nominal 70Amp Hour Lithium Polymer 700Amp peak

Battery Management system: Active cell balancing, temperature and voltage monitoring CAN bus communications

Ultra Capacitor: 350V 11 Farad 700Amp limited

Energy re–circulator: 1400Amp continuous IGBT water cooled CAN bus communications

Generator

Engine 250cc 2 cylinder 4 stroke gasoline 15kW at 7000rpm

Generator 20kW continuous at 250V 80Amp

Controller350V 80Amp water-cooled CAN bus communications

Display: Touch screen high resolution LCD with steering wheel and 4 area screen menu indexing Displays battery, ultra cap, fuel status, mileage calculator, boost display and options for GPRS link to allow remote diagnostics and tracking Diagnostic and configuration menus CAN bus communications

Traction control: Dynamically distributes torque when any wheel is in skid management mode to obtain optimum tractive effort and stability.

Steering sensor: Optional addition to provide feed forward input to traction control system. Allows driver intent and wheel alignment to influence vehicle stability and tractive effort functions.

Vehicle attitude, yaw and gyroscopic sensors: Optional addition to provide further stability inputs to traction control system. Allows vehicle orientation and direction (if different from steering wheel implied direction) to be accounted for in determining optimum tractive effort distribution.

Differential/torque share functions: Standard feature incorporated within each wheel to allow optimum speed and torque share when cornering. Minimises tyre scrub and power wasted energy.

Efficiency optimisation: Dynamic management of power delivery to wheel ensures best use of available power. Accounts for motor related efficiency variations across speed and torque ranges.

Technorati Tags: PML, electric+vehicles, green, EV, Mini, Cooper, ecology, British+International+Motor+Show, London, 2006, concept, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, images, pictures, press+release